Homeschool Reflection No. 4 :: Cultivating Cheerfulness

Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance - the cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it better, will preserve it longer, than the sad or sullen. ~Thomas Carlyle (19th century Scottish writer, historian, and teacher)

The single factor that can make the greatest difference in our homes is cheerfulness. Cheerfulness is serene, good natured, and smiling. (Roberto Assagioli). It is the gentle spirit that opens the door to joy, creativity, productivity, and understanding. It is a pleasure to be around cheerful people. Their cheer encourages the best in ourselves, despite our circumstances.

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. ~ Martha Washington (First Lady of the United States)

Once upon a time cheerfulness was considered a moral obligation. There was good reason for this: a spirit of cheerfulness promoted a kinder, gentler, more civil society. It also made for a healthier society--one which scorned self-pity and fits of temper:

Cheerfulness is health; its opposite, melancholy, is disease. ~ Thomas C. Haliburton (19th c. Canadian writer).

 Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health, and is as friendly to the mind as to the body. ~Joseph Addison (17th century English statesman and writer)

Sadly, cheerfulness is not a word that we hear much these days. We live in an age characterized by complaint departments, despondency, and dissatisfaction. We are a culture afflicted by spiritual disease. Anti-depressant use has increased in the United States by over 400% since 1988 (more than 1 in 10 people over the age of twelve take anti-depressants in this country--that's over 32 million people who are painfully cheerless). Our character deficits are ruining our lives.

Cheerfulness is not something with which we are born, nor is it something dependent upon circumstance. It is a character trait that must be cultivated and practiced. 

Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulder; but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night. ~Marion Howard (writer).

Children are especially affected by cheerfulness or the lack thereof. One of the best posts I have read on this topic regarding children is, "Surrounding the Young Child With A Christmas Mood", by Carrie at Parenting Passageway. Carrie refers to the article, "Meeting Fear and Finding Joy", by Stephen Spitalny--a fabulous reflection on how children are affected by the emotional atmosphere of their parents. Parents cannot expect their children to be even-keeled and cheerful when they themselves are not.

Roberto Assagioli (an Italian psychologist who pioneered the psychosynthesis movement) wrote an excellent article in which he identified some of the obstacles to cheerfulness: irritation, criticism, self-pity, impatience, worry, and attachment to sadness. The article is a good place to begin thinking about how to cultivate cheerfulness in yourself.

The eyes of the cheerful and of the melancholy man are fixed upon the same creation; but very different are the aspects which it bears to them. ~ Albert Pike (19th c. attorney and Civil War soldier)

Whereas irritation, criticism, self-pity, impatience, worry, and a spirit of sadness ruin and destroy the soul, cheerfulness brings life!  

Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.  (Philippians 2: 14-16a)

Cultivate a spirit of cheerfulness in your soul's garden, and let it transform your home and life.